Restored Bam Rukn-ud-Daula & Nalla Cheruvu set for inauguration

Hyderabad: Two restored lakes in Hyderabad, Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake in the Old City and Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, are set to open to the public soon. The lake restoration initiative was undertaken by the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA).Chief minister A Revanth Reddy will inaugurate the Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake on Sunday, while Nalla Cheruvu will be opened on Monday. The projects are part of HYDRAA's first phase of lake development in the city. Earlier, Bathukamma Kunta in Amberpet was inaugurated on Sept 28 last year, while restoration work on three other lakes are still in progress. Authorities are also preparing to take up another 14 lakes under the second phase of the programme.The historic Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake, located in the Old City near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, has undergone extensive restoration after years of encroachment and neglect. HYDRAA cleared illegal constructions and revived the lake by restoring its original structure.‘Historical importance' The bund has been strengthened and developed with a walking track, while an open gym has also been installed. The lake holds significant historical importance. According to historical records, it was constructed in 1770 during the rule of Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad. The project was undertaken by his prime minister Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula, after whom the lake is named.Originally spread across more than 100 acres, the lake once served as an important drinking water source. Over time, its area shrank drastically due to encroachments. HMDA had earlier recorded its extent at around 17 acres, which was later reduced to nearly four acres. HYDRAA cleared encroachments in Aug 2024 and restored the lake in accordance with official land records.Meanwhile, Nalla Cheruvu in Kukatpally, located in a densely populated residential area, had turned into a polluted water body due to sewage inflow, debris dumping and illegal constructions. HYDRAA initiated action in Sept 2024 to remove encroachments based on revenue and village records. Sixteen commercial sheds constructed within the Full Tank Level boundary were demolished during the operation.Improve urban ecologyThe restoration process included removing construction waste and decades-old silt deposits from lakebed. The lake's area has expanded from around 16 acres to nearly 30 acres. According to HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath, the transformation of Nalla Cheruvu has significantly improved the surroundings, with residents from up to five kilometres away visiting the lake for recreation. Authorities said the restored lakes would help improve urban ecology.